Torture

We have recently wondered if making your children do things against their will for your entertainment falls under the category of torture. We did not come to a conclusion, so for now, we will continue to revel in making them do things for our enjoyment. Recently, we took the kids to UGA for the game. Not Max's first game, as he came to several last year, but certainly the first game where he was capable of participating and being aware of his surroundings. He actually did quite well and really enjoyed it. Well......most of it. We graciously accepted tickets for the kids from friend which put our seat basically on the 40 yard line about 50 rows up from the field. And since this friend and Uncle Mark were on the field for Homecoming we decided to take a walk down to the cheerleading area to see them and say hi. Every game there is a group of totally insane guys who paint their entire bodies to show their spirit. We thought it would be great to get a picture of the kids with these guys. We asked Alexis if she wanted to get a picture. She quickly responded, "NO". She is getting a little too old to force into submission for photo ops. So, we don't ask Max. We just act. And here was the result:
The face of pure terror. While there is no picture of our faces, they were of smiles and laughter. So is that torture?

Here are a couple other highlights from the game.

In Love with Love

Did you ever even know that was possible....to be in love with love? I didn't until I had two kids. Sure, I know what love is and it's completely amazing. Example #1: my incredible husband whom I am totally in love with. But what I'm talking about is being in love with how much two other people love each other. And these two people I'm talking about are my two kids. It is just about the sweetest thing I have ever seen. I'm sure as they get older their share of sibling rivalry will surface, but for right now they adore each other. And I am in love with how much they love each other. She worries about him, he looks at her with enamored eyes, she teaches him, he follows her, etc. Their latest incident was riding in the car the other day. They have recently moved to the "way back" or the 3rd row of the car. This puts their carseats much closer together. Before, in the middle row, Alexis was able to hand him Goldfish or other necessities, but that was about as close as they got. But now, they are close enough to ride in the car holding hands. And yes, that is how they now ride in the car. See.....in love with love!
This picture was not posed, requested, or forced. This is how they are. It's a beautiful thing!

This One Takes the Cake

As you know, Alexis has not really been napping anymore, but still going to her room while Max naps for some "alone" time. Really that translates to "mommy" alone time, but, hey, who's keeping track???? Well, today was no exception and Alexis went willingly into her room and was playing in there by herself. She used to wear a pull up to nap because she can't seem to hold it in while sleeping, but since she has not been sleeping, we make sure she pees before going into her room and she keeps her underwear on. I leave her room with her happily playing and go to the computer. After about 30 minutes, I hear her freaking out. This is not unusual so I wait it out a few minutes. She is continuing to freak out. So I go and open her door and I'm hit with a very foul odor. I ask Alexis, "Did you poop?" She says, "Yes". But then I remember that I did not put a pull up on her. And then I do a double take and look at her and see that she is no longer wearing her tights, skirt, and underwear, but she has a pull up on. Hmmmm...... "Alexis, did you put that pull up on?" "Yes", she says. Um, okay, why? "Because I had to poop". Um, okay, did you not think about coming out of your room and going to the bathroom. "Yes, but you told me to stay in my room". Don't you just love the literal nature of 3 year olds. Wow, taught me a lesson as I'm changing her. Hey, Alexis, do me a favor.....next time LEAVE YOUR ROOM.

Wordless Wednesday

Preschool Scholar

Alexis loves to learn. She basically soaks it up. After playing at her friend's house last week, she witnessed her older brother and sister having to do homework. She also attended my mom's school (a home school for children with special needs) two days last week while I had a meeting and she had a day off of her "real" school. These two experiences led her to an epiphany. Alexis decided that she needed to do homework. So she made me buy her a homework book, which basically is like a little preschool work book. And all she wanted to do this afternoon was "homework". She begged me not to nap so she could do more. And every time I said it was the last page, she would try to negotiate for another. Finally, I convinced her that it was time to go to her room to relax. She looks up at me and says "Mom, thank you for doing homework with me. I really loved it." Wow......school here we come!!!!!

Connecticut - Part 2

To continue relaying our adventures.....

Sunday was a fabulous day in Connecticut. They actually have the season of Fall there and everything was so beautiful with all the trees in colors and leaves on the ground. It was great seeing everyone. Here are a couple highlights from the day.....

Alexis and Jessica.......Jessica loved having a "little" girl around and Alexis loved having a "big" girl to follow around. I mean seriously we got to their house and Alexis just vanished for hours on end!
Finally a nice picture of the two of us without Alexis either crying or making her cheeseball smile.
Alexis and Erica, the star of the day!!!
Alexis boogying down with Maddie. Alexis and her bad self did not leave the dance floor all afternoon. Seriously, the kid wouldn't even eat or pee. All she wanted to do was dance.
While Alexis was tearing up the dance floor, Max preferred to overtake the stage. He liked to be up front and center with all eyes on him!!!
Or he could be seen hammin' it up somewhere!!!! Not my shy kid. Don't know where he comes from. Oh, you mean, Ben.......
The best thing about my kids though is that they love goofing around together and bring out the best in each other.
And to end the party.....the sweetest picture of Alexis and Maddie!